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Geleia de Pimenta Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Geleia de Pimenta Dip

Geleia de Pimenta Dip is a beloved staple in Brazilian botecos, where it's crafted with an intuitive hand, much like the way family cooks across Brazil perfect it in their own kitchens. Known for its balance of heat and creaminess, this dip is often shared among friends and family, embodying the relaxed, communal spirit of these lively gatherings. The recipe captures the essence of home cooking, with salt added to taste and a generous use of fat that ensures every bite is indulgently rich.

The dip offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, where the fiery kick of pepper jelly meets the smooth, tangy notes of cream cheese. As you dip into this luscious mixture, expect a creamy, slightly spicy sensation that warms the palate without overwhelming it. Perfect for spreading on crusty bread or crackers, it's a dish that invites everyone to linger at the table, savoring both the food and the company.

Ingredients

  • 200 gpepper jelly
  • 100 gcream cheese
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by placing 200 g of pepper jelly into a blender or food processor. Add 100 g of cream cheese to the blender. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. The texture should be thick yet spreadable, resembling a smooth paste.
  2. With the blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in a small amount of neutral oil, such as vegetable oil, to help emulsify the mixture. Continue blending until the oil is fully incorporated, and the dip has a glossy sheen. This step helps to create a smooth and rich texture.
  3. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to the mixture to balance the sweetness of the pepper jelly with a touch of acidity. Blend briefly to combine, ensuring the acid is evenly distributed throughout the dip.
  4. Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and season it with fine sea salt to taste. Stir in the salt gradually, tasting as you go, to ensure the seasoning enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Optionally, add a small clove of minced garlic for an additional layer of flavor, mixing it in thoroughly.
  5. Allow the Geleia de Pimenta Dip to rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This brief resting period helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more cohesive taste. Serve the dip cool, accompanied by fresh bread or crackers for dipping.
Cover of Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Brazilian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Brazilian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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